So, the “honest conversation” the NFL claims it wants to have doesn’t include the AMVETS.

The American Veterans group recently had its one-page ad rejected for inclusion into the commemorative Super Bowl LII program given to those in attendance at the big game.

The print ad that was rejected depicted had three things that apparently added up to some kind of offensive stew/rhetoric – a picture of military personnel, a flag and two words “Please Stand”. There was also a plea to donate $20 to the group to support their initiatives.

The NFL declined the ad and offered that the group amend the ad to say, “Please Honor Our Veterans”, but somehow the deadline for copy came and went and the ad will not appear anywhere.

The ad cost was to be $30,000.

I just don’t understand and neither did the AMVETS national commander, Marlon Polk.

”Freedom of speech works both ways. We respect the rights of those who choose to protest as these rights are precisely what our members have fought — and in many cases died — for. But imposing corporate censorship to deny that same right to those veterans who have secured it for us all is reprehensible and totally beyond the pale.”

Conversely, the NFL sees it differently.

“The Super Bowl game program is designed for fans to commemorate and celebrate the game, players, teams and the Super Bowl,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told USA TODAY Sports by email. “It’s never been a place for advertising that could be considered by some as a political statement. The NFL has long supported the military and veterans and will again salute our service members in the Super Bowl with memorable on-field moments that will be televised as part of the game.”

The question really is who would’ve really been offended? The players, even those who knelt, have expressed support for veterans.

The other part of it is why would the league want to, again, irritate more than half of its fan base by banning an ad which only those in attendance would be exposed to.

Interestingly, the same ad was accepted by the NHL and the NBA.

Think about that.

Using the NFL logic, it is the only league being responsible here and the other two leagues apparently don’t have the mental capacity to understand how that ad could hurt someone and send someone screaming for a safe space.

I didn’t agree with the kneeling, but have said in this column that it is important to support free speech and non-violent protests from various causes.

But when the NFL decides to err on the side of excluding a simple print ad put forth by the oldest and largest veterans group that is open to any American to join, it makes you wonder where that type of intensity really comes from.

If something that simply asks, “Please Stand” has become some sort of hate speech or micro aggression in somebody’s eyes, we are barreling completely out of control.

What’s next? Making it illegal to ask people to “please remove their hats” before the anthem is played? You betcha. The slippery slope never goes dry.